India and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launched an eight-year Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) 2024-2031 to strengthen rural economy. The strategy focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, smallholder farmer support, and rural livelihood enhancement. IFAD will invest $600 million targeting 2.5 million rural households. Priority areas include sustainable agriculture practices, women farmers' empowerment, and digital agriculture solutions for improved productivity and income generation.

The India-IFAD COSOP 2024-2031 represents a strategic partnership addressing rural development challenges through targeted interventions. IFAD, a UN specialized agency, provides concessional loans and grants for agricultural development in developing countries. This eight-year programme aligns with India's goal of doubling farmers' income and achieving climate resilience. The strategy emphasizes smallholder farmers who constitute 86% of India's farming community but face productivity constraints. Key mechanisms include promoting climate-smart agriculture, strengthening value chains, and enhancing market linkages. The programme targets marginal and small farmers, particularly women and youth, through capacity building and technology transfer. Digital agriculture solutions will facilitate precision farming, weather forecasting, and market price information. The initiative supports India's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (poverty reduction) and SDG 2 (zero hunger). Given climate change impacts on agriculture, the programme's focus on resilient farming practices becomes crucial for food security and rural prosperity in India's agrarian economy.